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10 Things to Know if You're Headed to Minneapolis for Summer Nationals

06/27/2022, 8:00pm CDT
By Bryan Wendell

At Summer Nationals, the action on the fencing strip is only the part of the fun. You'll reconnect with friends, meet new people and get to explore our iconic host city of Minneapolis.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — With more than 4,500 competitors and 66 national titles on the line, the 2022 USA Fencing National Championships and July Challenge will feature 10 days of fencing at the highest level.

But at Summer Nationals, the action on the fencing strip is only the part of the fun.

You'll reconnect with friends, meet new people and get to explore our iconic host city of Minneapolis. One thing is for sure: Your stay in the Twin Cities is sure to be memorable.

To help you prepare, here are 10 things to know before you head to Summer Nationals.

1. Get Live Results Throughout the Tournament

Not bringing your entire cheering section to Minneapolis? Worry not. 

Anyone — your friend, grandma, great uncle, classmate, coworker or barber — can follow the action in real time at fencingtimelive.com

Assuming your fans know your event name(s), they'll easily be able to track your progress through pools and — if all goes well — onto the medal stand.

For even more round-by-round coverage, make sure to follow us on Instagram (@usfencing). We'll share content on our Instagram Story throughout the tournament.

Follow along on Fencing Time Live and follow @usfencing on Instagram.

2. Know the Check-In Times for Your Event(s)

A USA Fencing national tournament runs like a well-oiled machine. One big reason for that: carefully coordinated check-in times for each event.

Be sure to review the check-in times PDF to see exactly when your event (or events) will begin. 

Download (and save or print) the check-in times PDF.

3. Liven Up Your Road Trip With the USA Fencing Podcast

Whether you're traveling to Summer Nationals by plane, train or car, consider taking USA Fencing along for the ride with First to 15, our new podcast.

We've published five episodes so far, and each one gives you a glimpse into the life of a fascinating person from the world of fencing. The latest episode features a conversation with three-time Olympian Daryl Homer.

Whether you've been fencing for a while or are new to the sport, you're sure to find something insightful and interesting.

Listen in your browser or search "First to 15" in your favorite podcast app.

4. Review the Health & Safety Protocols

Earlier in June, we shared the health and safety protocols for Summer Nationals. If you've attended other USA Fencing events this season, you'll notice they are largely unchanged — with one exception.

As we announced in May, fencers are no longer required to wear a face mask under their fencing mask during bouts in which they are competing.

You're encouraged to familiarize yourself with the protocols before you begin your journey to Minneapolis.

Read the protocols here.

5. Celebrate the Newest Members of the Hall of Fame

On July 5, help celebrate fencing legends at the USA Fencing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The ceremony starts at 6 p.m. on July 5 at the Millennium Minneapolis and will be streamed live on YouTube.

Tickets are sold out.

Meet the new class and watch live on YouTube.

6. Meet With USA Fencing Board Members and Staff at Our Membership Town Hall

Want to meet some of the members of USA Fencing's staff and Board of Directors?

Stop by our Membership Town Hall in Room 103D. It's a great time to get your questions answered and meet some of the individuals who pour their passion into the fencing movement. 

The town hall event will be offered twice:

  • Saturday, July 2: 4–5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 6: 2–3 p.m.

7. Stop by the Presentation Room for a Special Event

With fencers from across the country converging in Minneapolis, it's a great time to get trained or learn something new.

That's just the plan inside our Presentation Room (located in Meeting Room 103B). 

The schedule includes a SafeSport training session for athletes ages 13-20, a U.S. Fencing Coaches Association workshop and a fascinating session on "Neurofencing."

See the Presentation Room schedule.

8. Visit the USA Fencing Experience Pop-Up Space

The USA Fencing Experience, located just a 15-minute walk from the Minneapolis Convention Center, is designed to showcase fencing for people who know little about our sport.

But everyone — even the most seasoned fencers — can visit this fencing pop-up space to watch fencers practice and see a new collection of fencing photos taken by Serge Timacheff.

Learn about what's inside.

9. Explore the Shops, Restaurants and Attractions of Minneapolis

We hope your stay in Minneapolis includes time to get out and explore the city's vibrant downtown — and beyond.

Our friends at the Minneapolis Convention Center have put together this page containing tips for planning your visit to the city. Scroll down to the "Explore Minneapolis" section for a wide assortment of fun articles. Our favorites include:

10. Score Discounted Tickets to Sporting Events and More

After you've watched some lunges, parries and ripostes, turn your attention to home runs, corner kicks and 3-pointers.

Summer sports are in full swing, and our friends at the Minnesota Twins (MLB), Minnesota United FC (MLS) and Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) have offered ticket discounts for USA Fencing members.

And speaking of high-energy activities, USA Fencing members and their families can score discounted admission to Valleyfair, the amusement park located just 20 minutes from the Convention Center. 

See all the ticket discounts.

Tag(s): Updates  2022 Summer Nationals